Code of Conduct

2.1 Expected Behavior

Examples of behavior that contributes to a positive environment for our community include:

• Demonstrating empathy and kindness toward other people
• Being respectful of differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences
• Giving and gracefully accepting constructive feedback
• Accepting responsibility and apologizing to those affected by our mistakes
• Focusing on what is best not just for us as individuals, but for the overall community
• Using welcoming and inclusive language
• Supporting fellow members in their personal and professional growth
• Sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities generously
• Celebrating diversity and promoting equal participation

2.2 Unacceptable Behavior

Examples of unacceptable behavior include:

• The use of sexualized language or imagery, and sexual attention or advances of any kind
• Trolling, insulting or derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks
• Public or private harassment, intimidation, or stalking
• Publishing others' private information without their explicit permission
• Discrimination or prejudice based on any protected characteristic
• Disruptive behavior during events, meetings, or online discussions
• Deliberate spreading of misinformation or false claims
• Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in community spaces
• Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting

3.1 Excellence and Growth

We encourage all members to pursue excellence in their personal and professional development while supporting others in their journey. This includes:

• Committing to continuous learning and improvement
• Setting and working toward meaningful goals
• Seeking mentorship and offering guidance to others
• Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth
• Maintaining high standards in all community interactions

3.2 Collaboration and Support

We value collaboration over competition. Members should actively support each other's initiatives and contribute to collective success through:

• Sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities
• Offering help and assistance when needed
• Celebrating others' achievements and milestones
• Building meaningful professional and personal relationships
• Participating actively in community initiatives

3.3 Integrity and Accountability

We expect all members to act with integrity, take responsibility for their actions, and hold themselves accountable to our community standards:

• Being honest and transparent in all interactions
• Honoring commitments and following through on promises
• Taking responsibility for mistakes and working to correct them
• Respecting confidentiality when required
• Acting ethically in all professional and personal endeavors

4.1 Event and Program Conduct

During Mikaelson Innovation and Community Development Initiative (Mikaelson Initiative) events, workshops, programs, and activities:

• Arrive on time and come prepared with necessary materials
• Participate actively and constructively in all activities
• Respect speakers, facilitators, organizers, and fellow participants
• Follow health and safety guidelines and protocols
• Keep mobile devices on silent during sessions unless otherwise instructed
• Respect venue rules, regulations, and property
• Use designated channels for feedback, questions, and concerns
• Dress appropriately for the occasion and setting

4.2 Online Community Standards

In our digital spaces, including social media groups, forums, video calls, and virtual events:

• Keep discussions relevant, constructive, and on-topic
• Avoid spam, excessive self-promotion, or irrelevant content
• Respect privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property
• Give proper credit and attribution when sharing others' work
• Use appropriate language, tone, and professional communication
• Report violations promptly to moderators or administrators
• Follow platform-specific guidelines and terms of service
• Maintain appropriate backgrounds and attire during video calls

Community leaders, staff, and designated moderators are responsible for clarifying and enforcing our standards of acceptable behavior. They will take appropriate and fair corrective action in response to any behavior that they deem inappropriate, threatening, offensive, or harmful.

6.1 Investigation Process

All reports will be reviewed promptly and thoroughly:

• Initial assessment within 48 hours of report
• Fair and impartial investigation of all parties involved
• Appropriate documentation of incidents and actions taken
• Follow-up with affected parties as appropriate
• Regular review of policies and procedures

6.2 Enforcement Guidelines

Community leaders will follow these Community Impact Guidelines in determining the consequences for any action they deem in violation of this Code of Conduct:

1. Correction

   Impact: Use of inappropriate language or other behavior deemed unprofessional or unwelcome in the community.

   Consequence: A private, written warning from community leaders, providing clarity around the nature of the violation and an explanation of why the behavior was inappropriate.

2. Warning

   Impact: A violation through a single incident or series of actions.

   Consequence: A warning with consequences for continued behavior. No interaction with the people involved for a specified period of time.

3. Temporary Ban

   Impact: A serious violation of community standards, including sustained inappropriate behavior.

   Consequence: A temporary ban from any sort of interaction or public communication with the community for a specified period of time.

4. Permanent Ban

   Impact: Demonstrating a pattern of violation of community standards, including sustained inappropriate behavior, harassment, or aggression.

   Consequence: A permanent ban from any sort of public interaction within the community.

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately. All community members are encouraged to report violations, even if they are not directly affected.

7.1 Reporting Channels

You can report violations through any of the following channels:

• Contact our support team through the official contact form
• Email us directly at conduct@mikaelsoninitiative.org
• Reach out to event organizers or staff during programs
• Use the reporting features available in our digital platforms
• Contact community leaders or mentors directly
• Submit an anonymous report through our online form

7.2 What to Include

When reporting a violation, please provide as much information as possible:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Description of what happened
• Names of people involved (if known)
• Any witnesses to the incident
• Screenshots, recordings, or other evidence (if available)
• Impact of the incident on you or others

This Code of Conduct applies within all community spaces, including but not limited to:

• Official events, workshops, and programs
• Online platforms, forums, and social media groups
• Email communications and private messages
• Virtual meetings and video conferences
• Community partnerships and collaborations
• Representation of the community in external forums

This Code of Conduct also applies when an individual is officially representing the community in public spaces. Examples include using an official email address, posting via an official social media account, or acting as an appointed representative at events.

This Code of Conduct is a living document that may be updated periodically to reflect the evolving needs of our community and best practices in community management.

10.1 Review Process

• Annual review of the Code of Conduct and its effectiveness
• Community feedback collection and incorporation
• Consultation with experts in community management and ethics
• Alignment with organizational mission and values
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

10.2 Notification of Changes

When updates are made to this Code of Conduct, we will:

• Post the updated version on our official website
• Notify all community members via email or platform announcement
• Provide a summary of significant changes
• Offer opportunities for questions and clarification
• Ensure all community leaders are trained on updates

For questions, concerns, or reports related to this Code of Conduct, please reach out to us through the following channels:

This Code of Conduct is adapted from the Contributor Covenant, version 2.1, and incorporates best practices from various community guidelines and organizational codes of conduct.

We acknowledge the work of community leaders and organizations worldwide who have contributed to developing ethical standards for inclusive and respectful communities.

This Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to building the next generation of African leaders through excellence, integrity, and mutual respect.